After milking with the machine dip the clusters into a bucket of mastrite, the medicine acts as iodine. Before applying dip to the animal test the cow to see if it is violent then dip the tits into the dip cup from behind.
Press the dip cup from the bottom side to allow the pressure rise the medicine in the cup.
Calf management
Calf management starts before they are born to weaning.
Comprehensive training on calving management for dairy personnel should be a top priority to mitigate the negative effects of births and still births
Calf birth
Keep proper record and monitor cows more often when they are about to give birth
Anterior birth is when calves deliver when the front legs come first then the head. Posterior is when the rear legs come out first with the sole of the legs facing up.
If a cow stays more than 5 hours without giving birth it needs assistance.
Calf feeding
A calf should suckle from the mother at least three days during the colostrum period then group the cows according to age and artificially fed them with milk.
Milk should be given through nipple sucking, bottle feeding or early introduction to bucket feeding.
Between 2 to 3 weeks of age introduce high quality roughage which can be supplemented with concentrate. When using hay ensure they are of high quality, fine texture and mixed with legumes.
Self training
Calf consumes upto 10% of its whole body weight for about 6 weeks.
Engaging in self training approach through televised training programmes, daily farming stories in newspaper and online articles to improve production.
